PhD in Psychology - Counseling Psychology in Washington United States | Howard University

Our counseling psychology training follows the scientist-practitioner model, blending psychological theory, research, and hands-on experience to foster personal and group growth across various environments like counseling centers, school mental health programs, government agencies, and academic institutions.
Howard University's APA-accredited Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology equips graduates for professional roles helping individuals and communities thrive in diverse settings, ranging from mental health clinics and schools to government organizations and higher education. Grounded in the scientist-practitioner approach, our curriculum combines theoretical knowledge, research methods, and supervised clinical work. A key program focus involves studying behavioral foundations across biological, emotional, cognitive, cultural, and social dimensions, along with training in diagnosis, evaluation, and evidence-based treatments. We prioritize preventive mental health strategies, teaching adaptive coping mechanisms and problem-solving techniques to address maladaptive behaviors. Students receive personalized guidance from faculty whose influential research spans mental health inequities, cultural resilience after trauma, youth counseling, multicultural therapy approaches, dual diagnoses, and psychological testing. Our scholars regularly showcase their research at prominent conferences, including events hosted by the American Psychological Association, Association of Black Psychologists, and Columbia University's Winter Roundtable, both locally in Washington, D.C. and nationally.